Case Cleaning ideas - Page 2

ammo.crafter · April 6, 2020, 09:01 AM

Vibrating tumbler with walnut media, and....a used dryer sheet will shine up your brass, and it's free.

FITASC · April 6, 2020, 10:32 AM

Quote:

I deprime after tumbling and don’t worry about cleaning the primer pockets.

Same here for pistol. Since I do not shot thousands of rifle rounds (no AR in my home), I can clean primer pockets with the RCBS tool for such

RoyceP · April 6, 2020, 11:14 AM

OK I switched from corncob media to crushed walnut shells yesterday. 100 45 ACP cases that were very dirty looked clean but not shiny this morning. A added a dryer sheet and another 100 cases to see if it helps today.

marchboom · April 6, 2020, 11:57 AM

I have never noticed that dryer sheets made brass shinier. They just cause the media dust to cling to it and it's easier to remove.

Soak the brass in a Lemishine solution (1/4 teaspoon Lemishine to 1 pint of water) for 45-60 minutes. Dry and then tumble in media. You will notice a dramatic change in the brass appearance within 5 minutes in the solution.

FITASC · April 6, 2020, 11:58 AM

Quote:

OK I switched from corncob media to crushed walnut shells yesterday. 100 45 ACP cases that were very dirty looked clean but not shiny this morning. A added a dryer sheet and another 100 cases to see if it helps today.

What works for me is a half and half mix of walnut and corn cob with either dry red jeweler's rouge or a capful of Nu-finish added as well. Typical run time is about 2-3 hours.

Real Gun · April 7, 2020, 07:06 AM

What is the theory in blending walnut and corncob media?

RaySendero · April 7, 2020, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Real Gun asked:
What is the theory in blending walnut and corncob media?

I'd be interested in this, too.

I still de-prime and vibrate with corncob and polisher.
Have been for years.

marchboom · April 7, 2020, 08:11 AM

Using walnut media vs. corn cob media provides for much more action in the bowl of a vibratory brass cleaner. When I used corn cob to remove the sizing lube from cases the cases moved VERY slowly and took about 1 hr to clean off the lube. And then there was still media stuck to the remaining lube in the case necks. Using walnut media it only took about 20-30 minutes and the necks were clean. So walnut is the only media I use for cleaning and lube removal.

This is what I use: Zilla Ground English Walnut Shells Desert Blend (from Amazon)

RoyceP · April 7, 2020, 09:06 AM

I put a box of 100 45 ACP cases that were filthy in last night with this mixture. This morning I went out and they look nice and clean and shiny. From what I can tell the walnut shell media is slower than corn cob but it does a good job overnight. The dryer sheet is almost dissolved. It would not be there after another 8 hours.

Quote ammo crafter "Vibrating tumbler with walnut media, and....a used dryer sheet will shine up your brass, and it's free. " End Quote

FITASC · April 7, 2020, 10:12 AM

Quote:

What is the theory in blending walnut and corncob media?

One is better at cleaning while the other seems to be better at polishing

Average Joe · April 9, 2020, 04:20 PM

I use car wash&wax, with critic acid. The only shells that come out pinkish, are the brass coated steel, those I just toss...

Real Gun · April 10, 2020, 07:43 AM

Quote:

What is the theory in blending walnut and corncob media?

One is better at cleaning while the other seems to be better at polishing

Agree, but I do those in separate runs, not a blend. Interesting. If it isn't too gunked up, I get great results with walnut and a blend of car polish and mineral spirits. Shortens run time dramatically. I am on my third tumbler, so avoiding burning up a motor is a priority.

April 6, 2020, 09:01 AM	#26
ammo.crafter Senior Member Join Date: June 25, 2006 Location: The Keystone State Posts: 1,970	polished brass Vibrating tumbler with walnut media, and....a used dryer sheet will shine up your brass, and it's free. __________________ "Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading". --Thomas Jefferson

April 6, 2020, 11:57 AM	#29
marchboom Member Join Date: September 10, 2017 Location: No. Idaho Posts: 39	I have never noticed that dryer sheets made brass shinier. They just cause the media dust to cling to it and it's easier to remove. Soak the brass in a Lemishine solution (1/4 teaspoon Lemishine to 1 pint of water) for 45-60 minutes. Dry and then tumble in media. You will notice a dramatic change in the brass appearance within 5 minutes in the solution. __________________ U.S.A.F., aircrew (ret.) NRA Life Member NHRA RSO

April 7, 2020, 07:06 AM	#31
Real Gun Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2004 Location: SC Posts: 2,743	What is the theory in blending walnut and corncob media? __________________ Not an expert, just a reporter.

April 7, 2020, 08:11 AM	#33
marchboom Member Join Date: September 10, 2017 Location: No. Idaho Posts: 39	Using walnut media vs. corn cob media provides for much more action in the bowl of a vibratory brass cleaner. When I used corn cob to remove the sizing lube from cases the cases moved VERY slowly and took about 1 hr to clean off the lube. And then there was still media stuck to the remaining lube in the case necks. Using walnut media it only took about 20-30 minutes and the necks were clean. So walnut is the only media I use for cleaning and lube removal. This is what I use: Zilla Ground English Walnut Shells Desert Blend (from Amazon) __________________ U.S.A.F., aircrew (ret.) NRA Life Member NHRA RSO

April 6, 2020, 11:14 AM	#28
RoyceP Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2020 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 234	OK I switched from corncob media to crushed walnut shells yesterday. 100 45 ACP cases that were very dirty looked clean but not shiny this morning. A added a dryer sheet and another 100 cases to see if it helps today.

April 7, 2020, 09:06 AM	#34
RoyceP Senior Member Join Date: February 4, 2020 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 234	I put a box of 100 45 ACP cases that were filthy in last night with this mixture. This morning I went out and they look nice and clean and shiny. From what I can tell the walnut shell media is slower than corn cob but it does a good job overnight. The dryer sheet is almost dissolved. It would not be there after another 8 hours. Quote ammo crafter "Vibrating tumbler with walnut media, and....a used dryer sheet will shine up your brass, and it's free. " End Quote

April 9, 2020, 04:20 PM	#36
Average Joe Senior Member Join Date: August 29, 2005 Location: Central Florida Posts: 1,325	I use car wash&wax, with critic acid. The only shells that come out pinkish, are the brass coated steel, those I just toss...